‘Something Doesn’t Add Up’ – Torquay retailers fight to save caravan park from closure

FOR nearly four decades, Troy Ignatenko and his family have run multiple small businesses on the Esplanade in Torquay.

Through cyclones, recessions, and changing retail trends, one constant has underpinned their survival, the steady, seasonal presence of the Torquay Caravan Park and the thousands of visitors who stay there each year.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council’s proposal to close or redevelop the caravan park into green space has Ignatenko and other local business owners deeply concerned, not only for their livelihoods, but for what they regard as the heart of their community.

“It’s our livelihood. They are messing with our lives,” Troy said, owner of both Banana Bender clothing store and Valentino’s Emporium.

“I haven’t spoken to a single local business owner who supports this idea. Not one.”

Troy’s store, along with dozens of other shops, cafés, and eateries along the Torquay Esplanade and in the wider Hervey Bay area, have long relied on the caravan park for off season stability.

“While younger tourists bring a flurry of spending during school holidays, it’s the grey nomads, many of whom return to the same caravan sites each winter, who provide reliable, sustained economic activity for months at a time.”

“The younger crowd comes in for a week or two, and they do spend money, but it’s a short, sharp burst. The caravaners stay for months and spend a little every day. That kind of spending keeps us afloat in the quiet season.”

According to Troy, the park’s guests have a direct, visible impact on trade.

“You would be surprised how many go across the road, grab two bottles of wine, and head back to their van. You see it every day, they are part of our rhythm.”

“We took on a brand that used to be sold by another shop that closed. A few caravaners came in looking for it and couldn’t believe it was gone. As soon as word got around the caravan park that we stocked it, our sales doubled. That’s the kind of impact they have.”

The Fraser Coast Regional Council has floated the idea of converting the site into a public green space, citing potential long term economic benefits, increased recreational areas, and the ability to attract younger residents and tourists.

One argument put forward in a council meeting suggested the redevelopment could increase the value of nearby properties.

Troy remains unconvinced.

“They already have the money set aside to upgrade the caravan park, just like they did in Scarness,” he said. “Instead, one councillor puts up a motion to halt it all and rethink the whole thing.”

“Why? Where’s the logic in shutting down something that already makes money.”
“To me, it just doesn’t add up. I’m not saying anyone’s doing anything wrong, but from a business owner’s perspective, the process doesn’t feel transparent. It feels like there are questions still to be answered.”

He points out that along much of Australia’s east coast, caravan parks occupy prime beachfront land.

“You can drive the coastline from Cairns to Melbourne and you’ll find caravan parks on just about every beach. Why is Hervey Bay any different? If this is about views or development pressure, then people deserve to know that.”

Troy says he has not been approached by council for input.

“No one has come to ask us what impact this would have. Not one person from council has walked into my shop to have a conversation about it,” he said.

“We are the ones who will be directly affected, yet we have been completely left out of the discussion. Other business owners feel the same way.”

“For some of us, this is the difference between keeping the lights on or closing up shop. That’s not dramatic, it’s just the reality of running a seasonal business in a place like this.”

While he acknowledges his business could adapt in the short term, Troy warns the
long-term consequences would be significant, particularly when it comes to renewing leases.

“I would be very nervous about re-signing if the caravan park went. The winter trade keeps us afloat until summer comes. Without that, you’re just surviving.”

He says the business community is not opposed to change, but wants it to be
‘smart, sustainable, and grounded in local reality’.

“We are not against progress, but we are against decisions that don’t involve the people they affect. And from where we sit, this looks like a very bad decision.”

Troy stresses that the issue will carry long term consequences for local councillors.

If council moves ahead with closing the Torquay Caravan Park, the Torquay Progress Association will dedicate itself to making sure this decision is remembered at the next election,” he said.

“Over the next three years, we will work tirelessly to inform the entire Fraser Coast community, to campaign, and to ensure that every resident understands who voted for its closure. This isn’t about politics for us, it’s about livelihoods, fairness, and protecting the heart of our town.”